London (4th October 2012) - The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) today launches the Integrated Reporting <IR> Emerging Practice Examples Database in conjunction with specialist corporate reporting consultancy, Black Sun plc. The database, which contains reporting examples from businesses around the world, is an online resource that captures innovation to help organizations on their journey towards <IR>.

<IR> is the language of sustainable business, helping businesses to communicate how they create and preserve value in the short, medium and long term. The database brings together extracts of reports which illustrate emerging practices in the <IR> Guiding Principles and Content Elements. These examples have been chosen from publicly available reports, including those produced by the IIRC’s Pilot Programme organizations. Each example is accompanied by a short description of relevant features aligned with the International <IR> Framework. This is a work in progress and will continue to be developed as integrated reporting evolves.

Paul Druckman, IIRC’s CEO said: “Businesses need practical tools that help them to start on their journey towards <IR> and to bring conceptual definitions to life. This database will undoubtedly prove an extremely useful and dynamic tool for companies that are starting on the path of innovating and improving their reporting.”

Commenting on the growing momentum for <IR>, Sallie Pilot, Director of Research & Strategy at Black Sun, said: “Research shows that reporting influences behaviour. It is becoming clearer that aligning financial and non-financial information is an essential part of how companies demonstrate the long-term viability of their business model and strategy in order to better meet the needs of investors and other stakeholders. We were delighted to be involved with the IIRC in such an exciting project and are really looking forward to seeing the database evolve over time. I hope that it inspires and motivates companies to improve their reporting in line with <IR> ideals".